Installation tool with integrated visual fault indicator for field-installable mechanical splice connector

Abstract

A mechanical splice fiber optic connector installation tool operable for performing splice terminations and verifying an acceptable splice termination includes a power source, a connector holder, an integrated Visual Fault Locater having an optical transmission element and a display for displaying the status of the termination. An adapter configured to receive the connector and align the connector with the optical transmission element, such that the optical transmission element is spaced apart from the connector at a predetermined distance and is in optical communication with the connector for propagating light energy through the adapter and along the stub optical fiber to a termination area of the connector.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates generally to the installation of mechanical splice connectors and verification of proper mechanical splice terminations, and more particularly, to an installation tool with an integrated visual fault indicator for a field-installable mechanical splice connector. [0003] 2. Technical Background [0004] Optical fibers are useful in a wide variety of applications, including the telecommunications industry in which optical fibers are employed for voice, data and video transmission. Due, at least in part, to the extremely wide bandwidth and the low noise operation provided by optical fibers, the variety of applications in which optical fibers are being used is continuing to increase. For example, optical fibers no longer serve merely as a medium for long distance signal transmission, but are being increasingly routed directly to the home, and in some instances, directly to a desk or other work...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] In one aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus and method for performing terminations of optical fibers within mechanical splice fiber optic splice connectors, and thereafter verifying that the terminations are proper. Specifically, the present invention provides a jumperless installation tool for receiving a mechanical splice connector. The installation tool generally comprises a power source, a carriage operable for holding the mechanical splice connector, a camming handle, a crimping handle, an improved visual fault locator (VFL) and a feedback display, thereby providing an integrated tool for performing splice terminations and thereafter testing the continuity of the terminations. By using the installation tool of the present invention, the need for test connectors, jumpers or optical test fibers, and adapters is eliminated. In addition, a space saving, more efficient and more reliable jumperless installation tool is provided. Furthermore, the structural components of the installation tool provided are such that the VFL and a ferrule of the fiber optic connector need not be in actual physical contact, as with conventional apparatus and methods, while optical transmissions are being transmitted.

[0014] The exemplary embodiment of the installation tool also includes a collecting means for collecting the optical energy propagated by the VFL and emanating from the termination area of the mechanical splice connector. The collecting means is preferably located in a lower portion of the tool housing. The collecting means is operable for detecting the amount of glow emanating from the termination area and collecting the light energy, and preferably receiving that light energy in the form of optical power. The collecting means converts the collected light to an electrical signal using a conventional opto-electronic circuit. Preferably, a predetermined threshold level is stored within the tool. The light emanating from the splice point is collected using the collection means and compared to the threshold level in order to provide a “go” or “no go” signal to an operator display to indicate a proper or improper termination. The feedback display may be complex and display a quantity of measured light energy, or in other preferred embodiments, may be simple and display either an acceptable or unacceptable termination.

[0016] The crimping handle of the installation tool is provided so as to be slidably engaged and outwardly biased with a second side of the tool housing. The crimping handle is preferably outwardly biased by a spring type mechanism located within the lower portion of the tool housing. Further, the crimping handle is operable for being compressed and preferably includes a means for actuating a crimp tube about a strain relieving buffered portion of the field optical fiber, thereby providing additional strain relief to the termination area.

Problems solved by technology

A failure of any of these components will result in a flawed testing process.

Additionally, the costs associated with the manufacture and use of the named structural components is excessive.

Images